A few reflections on OccupyWallStreet, OccupyTogether & #OccupyNC

In the days leading up to September 17th[1], a couple of friends in New York City mentioned something vague about a plan for social justice activists taking action in the city. I didn’t think much of it at the time, or even on the 17th and 18th—I just kept working hard on the issues most pressing here in North Carolina. Then, time passed, the action continued, the weekend came, the numbers in New York City’s financial district swelled, and I saw those videos of peaceful protesters being kettled and pepper-sprayed[2] on a sidewalk September 24th.

At that moment, something changed for me.

I had just witnessed first-hand the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s September 6th arrests[3] of undocumented students and their supporters at an “Undocumented and Unafraid” Rally. At that point, I realized OccupyWallStreet[4] might be related to my life in North Carolina, and I needed to understand more.

Civil Rights leader Ella Baker[16], who grew up in North Carolina and attended Shaw University, reminded us that “Strong people don’t need strong leaders.” The OccupyWallStreet movement is evolving along those lines. That means it’s happening with all of the difficult, messy, beautiful, and inspiring elements of deep democracy, while people shout, “This is what democracy looks like!” The truth is, in a democracy, people certainly disagree, but if their goals are important enough they figure out a way to work together. Whether you choose to jump in and muddle through to make this movement what you want it to be, or stand on the sidelines and observe– well, that’s up to you.

Join the conversation via facebook or on Twitter with hashtag #OccupyNC